Associate Creative Director, Design

Noodle

Lead creative direction and team as Associate Creative Director, Design for Noodle. Empower universities with strategic and innovative marketing solutions in a competitive landscape.

Posted 6/16/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $100,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive brand and identity work across a range of initiatives — from institutional rebranding and advancement campaigns to athletic identity systems — championing typographic craft, layout sensibility, and visual hierarchy at every scale, whether the deliverable is a digital ad unit or a comprehensive brand system
Bring a storyteller's instinct to all video and photo work — leading productions from concept through post-production, including narrative development, storyboarding, and on-site direction, while managing the logistical realities of location-based shoots: coordinating schedules, securing permits, and obtaining all required talent and location releases. Every production should authentically capture the spirit of a partner institution and speak directly to the aspirations of their target audiences
Lead end-to-end creative campaign development — from initial concepting and internal reviews through client preview sessions and final production — delivering thoughtful, innovative campaigns and experiences that resonate
Proactively research design trends, cultural shifts, and competitor activity — translating those insights into creative strategies that keep partner institutions ahead of the curve, while driving adoption of modern tools, including AI-assisted workflows, to improve throughput and unlock new creative possibilities
Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, art directors, and video producers — fostering a culture of creative curiosity, accountability, and continuous growth by providing consistent, constructive feedback that helps team members develop their craft, broaden their skill sets, and build toward their individual career goals
Set the tone for how the team shows up and what they produce — leading by example with energy, intention, and a high bar for craft, motivating the team to deliver work that is smart, strategic, and brand-relevant, on time and on budget, without sacrificing creative ambition
Collaborate closely with cross-functional marketing teammates — including media managers, editors, copywriters, and strategists — to define project scope, align on creative requirements, and establish the shared understanding needed to move work forward efficiently and cohesively
Establish and continuously refine team workflows, processes, and production pipelines — creating the operational foundation that allows the creative team to do their best work consistently, at scale, and without unnecessary friction
Partner with marketing strategists and client stakeholders — developing a deep understanding of each institution's brand positioning, audience insights, and enrollment goals, and translating that context into creative strategies that are not just compelling, but measurably effective
Present concepts, campaigns, and proposals to partner institutions with confidence and clarity — building trusted relationships with client contacts, attending meetings as a senior creative voice, and demonstrating a fluent understanding of each institution's mission, competitive landscape, and student audience
Leverage data, performance metrics, and market insights to inform creative decisions — providing actionable direction for campaign optimization and new concept development, ensuring the team is always iterating toward work that performs as well as it looks
Apply a working knowledge of higher education recruitment marketing — ensuring creative strategies align with enrollment funnels, key decision-making moments, and the unique sensitivities of the education market to deliver work that moves prospective students from awareness to action

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years marketing experience; higher education experience preferred
5+ years of experience managing a design team, preferably at an agency
Bachelor’s degree in design or corresponding field
Understanding of higher-ed recruitment and marketing best practices
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; English fluency
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work from our beautiful NYC office OR the comfort of your home office!
Computer and charger on us!
401(k) with company match, plus equity opportunities
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family (including mental health benefits like Headspace and Talkspace)
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
Optional voluntary coverage, including supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and commuter benefits
Pre-tax benefit options that help you save on eligible healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid parental leave
Wellness initiatives and resources
Free subscription to the Calm app
Employee discount program
4 weeks of paid vacation + 10 paid holidays + paid sick leave
Monthly mobile connectivity stipend
Annual education stipend for lifelong learning
Growth opportunities - we pride ourselves on creating environments where employees can be themselves and grow within and around the company

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

video productionstoryboardingnarrative developmentcreative campaign developmentdata analysismarket insightscreative strategydesign trendslogistical managementenrollment marketing

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcollaborationcommunicationcreative curiosityaccountabilitystrategic thinkingproblem-solvingteam motivationclient relationship management

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in design